IRISH LEAGUE: Keke determined rocket goal will fire up his career

Ards forward Guillaume Keke is hoping his brace at Stangmore Park could be the fuel to fire his career into orbit.

In truth, the Parisian has struggled to get things off the ground this season, having netted a solitary Premiership goal before Saturday’s 3-3 draw.

But then he capped a starring role with an early poacher’s goal and a second half rocket that powered into the top corner.

“I’ve watched it back a few times because a lot of people are tagging me in the video and everybody is talking to me about it,” laughed affable the 25 year-old about his 51st minute thunderbolt.

“I got the ball from the throw and had to fight to keep it. That made it a bit different than just a good strike I think. I turned and I knew as soon as I hit it that it was in. The feeling was so powerful, I can even hear the sound of the strike when I watch it back.”

So is it as good a goal as he’s ever managed?

“This season, definitely, because I haven’t scored much,” he smiled.

“I do think it’s one of the best I’ve ever scored, although I scored some good ones last year too.

“Hopefully I can push on now.”

Scoring at his new club hasn’t been quite as easy as he found it at Championship side Larne last season.

But he’s hoping Saturday’s goals are just the first fruits of a new mindet cultivated by manager Colin Nixon.

“I have found it hard this season and have had some problems with my family back in France but since Nicky arrived, I have got that confidence and belief that I need.

“That has made me work harder. I have trained by myself a lot and am pushing myself to be the best.

“I’m going to be honest, last year I didn’t work as hard. It was easier. We were one of the top teams and we finished with the best strikeforce. We scored lots of goals. When I changed teams though, all that was different. We knew we’d be fighting for our lives rather than for the title. Our mindset is different although since Nicky arrived, we play more for scoring goals.

“Before, it was more long balls and I had to fight for headers with people that are like seven foot and I’m not that tall. I like the ball at my feet and turning, driving on and shooting.

“I know I’ve got what I need to be a top player but in my head, I am sometimes a bit stupid. I know that I can do more for the team.”

Saturday’s 3-3 draw leaves Ards six points behind the Swifts, who occupy the final European play-off place.

“I think we maybe deserved the points because we gave away a couple of bad goals from corner,” said Keke. “At this level, we have to be better from set-pieces. The players better than us all round but I think we had more strikes at goal than them. We definitely deserved at least the point anyway.”